Italy’s Leonardo to Acquire European Cybersecurity Firm Amid Sector Expansion
Leonardo (LDOF.MI), Italy’s state-controlled aerospace and defense giant, is preparing to announce the acquisition of a European cybersecurity company, according to comments made Tuesday by Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo in an interview with Reuters.
While Pontecorvo did not disclose the identity of the target firm or specify a closing timeline, he emphasized the strategic importance of the deal. “Cybersecurity is an essential component in so-called multi-domain warfare, where everything is connected with everything,” he said. “Connections must be secure so that the enemy cannot use parts of a system.”
The move aligns with Leonardo’s broader strategy to consolidate and grow its cybersecurity operations, which the company sees as a critical pillar in modern defense architecture.
Back in October, CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the group was exploring multiple acquisition targets—both in Italy and abroad—adding that no deal would exceed 15% of the division’s annual turnover. He also projected double-digit growth for Leonardo’s cybersecurity segment in the years ahead.
Speaking at the Paris Airshow, Pontecorvo also signaled that the evolving and increasingly complex nature of cyber threats would likely encourage more collaborations across the defense and tech sectors, as the demand for specialized cybersecurity solutions grows.
The upcoming acquisition is expected to strengthen Leonardo’s positioning within European defense networks, as the continent accelerates digital and military integration in response to rising geopolitical tensions.